There's a guy in Mindanao named DALE,he shapes boards and sells em over at Siargao.You could TRY e-mailing him: d_franco@eudoramail.com

Last time I talked to him was a few years back and then I lost contact,but his boards were priced around 7000pesos which is approx. AUS$250,for a custom board

Thanks millie. Maybe I'll look into this. It's good to hear of a local Philippino shaper- importing boards is always very expensive and it's be a great benefit to have a local shaper. My AU friends spoke of some mall in Manila that sold boards, and they just rolled their eyes   when I asked about the prices!  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!!!

that's cool,no worries..

it is good to see a local getting amoungst it.I think its just the availability of blanks which makes it a little harder for more shapers to set up their own bays over there.

your friends are right!The prices of boards is NASTY!I went in one of the shops in a mall and thought "ok..these boards will be cheaper then at home"..but they're almost double the price!crazy

...Like surfboards in Paris- very expensive.  

This is how it is in most international cities away from the sea. Still, for the traveling pro surfer, of which the Philippines may see more of, the ability to buy a new board 'in transit' is crucial. Manila needs a real surf shop, with local shapers boards for sale at realistic prices. For anyone looking to start a business in Manila, it'd be worth considering...  

hey where are you from by the way!?

Who, me? Why, I'm from cyberspace! I'm actually a mixed breed of Anglo-Saxon, Parisian, Atlantisean, and, and... Superman! But don't worry- I am no part Magellan.  

OK- this is where I live...

hi. millie.... hi g2002   . About the prices of boards... yup they're really high. that's one reason why other people think that surfing is only for the elite. To think, mountaineering stuff are more expensive (and heavy too). How much is it in Manila anyway? Are the prices of the boards I posted much higher? I hope not coz I was hoping I'd be able to dispose them off faster than those for sale in manila

Better still folks why dont you just donate your board to a local kiddie he would be stoked.

SAN FRAN!yay!The thing that sticks in my mind about it were these 10 crazy guys from different bands i surfed with-lots of good music there!

you're right hydro..about only the rich being able to take part in surfing and what mark said about leaving your board behind for the kids does make a little bit of a difference to that social status=opportunity b-site!

Yeah, mark, anybody could donate their boards but in that case I'll be the one with open arms.  C'mon you guys, give me you're boards!!! C'mon, c'mon!
    Like I said, the prices here are really high that's why I don't think anybody from here would give their boards.  

.... and if sponjah were here, he'd be next in line waiting for board donations! hehehe.  

millie,
just be sure if you donate your boards it wouldn't end up  being sold to the next guy!!

Donate them to kids.

Hi Mark! Regarding surfboard prices for a new board worldwide... Surfboards, especially new, are pretty expensive by anyone's standards just about everywhere in the world.   But I know that there have been a few factories recently in operation in Thailand and Japan that make hundreds of surfboards a day on machines. I know that sounds 'soul-less', but these boards are very durable and cost less than half of most standard, hand-shaped boards. As they are being manufactured in SE Asia- I believe there will soon be more surfboards in RP. millie- SF- you got it! So you've been here?

do i qualify as one of those recipient kids?

oCean

hey q2002, i saw a couple of guys surfing on the foot of that bridge (almost directly below that bridge actually) last spring. were you by any chance one of those guys? man it was so cold!!! i couldn't believe those guys were in the water! brrr. to be exact, in your picture, they were on the right end and far side of the bridge. did that make sense? sorry i can't remember the name of the place... old fort something.

makes me appreciate the warm waters we have year round!

oCean

HeLLo Mr. OcEaN!!! I'm surprised so many of you Pinoys have been to SF - THAT's GREAT! Yes- there is a left point break right underneath the ][/glow]

South Africa seems to have the cheapest surfboards. For around 1400 Rand which is about $275 Aussie dollars or 8500 pesos you can get a good stick and some of them will send it to you. I dont know the freight costs but I wouldnt think it would be all that expensive. There are a few web sites you can check out. My mate is going over next month so I will be getting my new stick when he gets back. Beats paying between 550 - 750 Aussie dollars. I dont know about the Thai surfboards but you really need to buy surfboards from countries that have a long history in surfing otherwise you will be limited in the shapes available and the expertise of the shapers although before anyone spins out there are always execptions to the rule. I cant believe there are no shapers in the cloud nine area. Lack of electricity maybe I dont know. I have never been there. Maybe Millie could get one of her industry friends to sponsor a Pinoy or Pinay for a short apprenticeship in Australia in board shaping then you guys can start your own industry. Probably wouldnt work though because the materials required are probably beyond the means of most Filipino surfers and the yuppie ones would not have the ability or the energy to do it.
Cheers

There was an Aussie fellow by the name of Stuart C., Cant remember the last name, he was a shaper and fine surfer who lived off and on at Cloud 9. He wanted to build boards in Cloud 9 but he said it was way too much cost and hassle importing the materials.

Hi ppol!

I'm not suse if other key materials are available here but the most important ... the BLANKS... aren't. Damn!

hey mark, can you give us the websites of those south african board makers... i'm almost tempted to type in south african surfboards in google... maybe i will. thanks

oCean

what are the blanks made out of anyway? what are other applications of this material (boats? ships? etc.), maybe we can ask around. i read somewhere that bamboo's also being used in some boards. bamboo composite that is.

oCean

hey mark, it worked! i typed in south african surfboards and i actually found one. here it is.

http://www.lazyb.co.za/

i think they also ship internationally.

has anyone tried shipping a surfboard to the philippines? i have no idea how much it would cost but what really scares me is the tax or whatever customs bribe that you have to pay to get your board when it gets here.

oCean

oCean
 the blanks are made of either polyurethane or polystyrene the wood part you see in the middle is what you call a stringger.Polyurethane uses solvent base materials to finish it while for polystyrene you'd be using non-solvent base, such as epoxy!!go ahead do your research,enjoy!!

hey mark...
i've got my own independent surf/sk8/music/art-fashion label-EILLIM-hehe..yeh it's my name backwards,kinda egotistical,but feh,whatever!

i'm just pumping out clothing at the moment,but i eventually want to use my boardshaping experience to branch out with my own boards and start my own shaping business under my own label.i'm basically doing everything on my own right now and working my arse off to provide some kinda platform for those surfers/sk8ers who wanna break free from the usual bunch of sheep.There's such a void out there and sponsors only want the people who are a certain look,act a certain way and BLAH BLAH,so I'm trying to break away from that pretentious bullshit.

POINT OF STORY!At the end of this year i'm going to hold a SURF FESTIVAL,which will involve the learn to surf coaching sessions..the comp is gonna be less like a standard 4waves-to-the-beach surf comp and more like an expression session-MORE FREEDOM!longboard and shortboard/mens and womens-equal prize money.i'm gonna be scouting for teamriders

*NOTE:TEAMRIDERS!I dont wanna be one of those companies with just a token rider so it looks good for their culturally friendly image ....

but i've been seriously talking with the guys at the shaping bay about sharing sponsorship to bring a couple of guys/girls from the phils to come over here and work with the guys i'm shaping with now so they will have the knowledge to start something over there..so u read my mind mark!

anyways...thats my plans,thought i'd let youse know i guess...i really wanna know if anybody is opposed to any of this,because i don't want to be treading on anybodys toes.my Mum's from the Philippines and it's my second home....I really want to help the locals in the phils establish their own surf industry,their own surfing culture instead of having to rely on importing from O.S,but i'm not from there and i don't want to be doing things which may upset a lot of local people you know?

oh!the guy that was shaping at C9,I think he was the same guy who taught the filipino guys who are shaping somewhere on mindanao now...but yah..blanks are hard to come by.

knefut-hehe...it's cool man,i've got a bit of insight into how the scammers minds rotate in the phils;)

q2002-yeh!was in san fran about..umm..WHEN THE SEP 11 ATTACKS HAPPENED!!had an art exhibition over there!i loved san fran,but i ended up spending some time around venice beach and huntington,then hitching down to mexico with a psycho,just to go surfing..hahaha

millie must be the fastest typist in this forum!
your plans really sound great. it's good to have people who support surfing in the philippines.  

thanks.

fastest typer..no i just say a lot of crap deary! glad to hear your support!

to,jerry the guy you were talking about is stuart 'daff' cadden.He is a cloud nine resident,for about the last five years.

millie, indformative crap!!! not just crap!hehehe. I was hoping I could see your clothes/ product line on your website.
   
Hi mabini_girl.

ei mills, just checked out EILLIM...really cool!!!! nice work! or should I say really wicked!

wow! from selling board, to free board ,and then to millie's label.
knefut is right, be sure that the board recipient won't sell it. the best solution to that would be to send 'em to me

ei kuya Mark, can't wait to test drive your board. tnx!

Millie, do u have any product freebie? need any team rider?

Thanks, Mabini girl. Yup, that Stuart. He did well in the contests at Cloud 9. A nice guy known for his dog, Bomber, and for the tiny girls bike he cruised around on !

Millie you are very noble. If anyone is opposed to your idea then I think they have a problem.
Cheers

hydro!i havent got anything half decent up on the net yet,maybe towards the end of the year.we're shooting some photos for adverts at the moment and getting a catalogue out for spring/summer,so i'll try and get things organised to coincide,like i said..i'm doing every aspect of it by myself,so it takes a little longer to get things happening!there's also so much formal "business" shite to contend with ,plus i got 2 other jobs...so it's kinda hectic,but FUN! cheers for your comments though girl! how was ur surfing experience at LU!?

sponj...damn you boy!freebies...come to LU at the end of the year and i'll be carting some stuff along with me.teamriders..you havent bloody started surfing yet!GRABE!hahaha....I am so going to beat you up and throw you in the water and then coat you with sand when I get there!You're like one of those little smart-arse brothers that every sister adores!actually..you're like one of my younger cousins in Davao!scary...ur not my cousin are you

thanks mark i just hope nobody or at least not everybody is against my ideas..hey!i'll be in ur neck of the woods next month too for an art exhibition!so maybe see you out in the water.....doubtful,but it's a small world sometimes!

HAVE FUN!

ei millie, am sure were related somehow? hahha. just logged a couple of surfing days and i think im good( dont get me wrong coz am just trying to boost my self esteem. hehehe) if you dont want me to be your team rider i'll be the team driver.

i'll do anything you want basta il have some of your freebies (you know, promos and stuffs). sandspits and soups don't matter to me. hehehe basta help me with my surfing.

The Philippines has a lot to benefit from native girl helping promote surfing there in a sensible way- so more power to, Millie!

Surf was heavy here in SF on Monday, with some big rights bowling into Ocean Beach. I think I duck dived about 100 waves (in 50 degree water!), but finally made it to the outside and caught some bombs!

My movie recommendation of the year:  Les Miserables, starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. You all should rent it- you will not be disappointed!

I'd rather read the book!!liam neeson is anti-FILIPINO!!

ei millie, will you be making rash guards too?  

knefut, i didn't know liam neeson was anti filipino. where'd you get that?   i'm not a fan or anything , just haven't heard of that before.

didn't that movie come out a while back already?

oCean

yep! rashies-short and long sleeved,boardies,togs/bathers/swimmers(whatever you want to call them...),fresh tees,washed back tees,trash denim,drill pants and shorts,caps,hats..all guys and chicks clothing...the whole shabang is available

did the movie just come out over in the states?cos if so,it won't be in Oz for.....at least another 100 years.hehe..

q2002!NATIVE!..hehe..maybe a distant native yeh?thanks for your words man

hey that's great millie. would be nice if you could sell some here too. i got one "on sale" from quiksilver a couple of months back. when i went to LU they were selling rashies too (fox was the brand i think) and it was still cheaper than the one i got. in fact, it even looked better than the one i got! i don't really care much about the brand and i think i could have gotten another one for the price of the quiksilver logo. man, i hate getting ripped off! i guess it's like wearing armani knee pads hehe   well, didn't know any better then.

oCean

I'm sorry to hear that Liam Neeson is anti-Filipino. It seems very out of character for him.

Millie- how can I see you product line? Do you have a website?

It's rainy and cool in SF today- but I am at work so no worries. Ciao!

FOX have really good quality surfing stuff OCEAN!They're based on the Gold Coast here in Oz..umm..they make only rashies,wetsuits,boardies and that kind of gear-GOOD STUFF!yeh,you're right,the price of stuff has to do with the label....the companies know how to target the people who are totally dictated by what "brand" they wear..it's kinda evil in a way isnt it,espesh the companies who promote themselves as "surf"/"sk8" and they don't even support surfers or sk8ers,kind of sluts the soul of surfing and sk8ing for some BLING!...I so wanna see ARMANI KNEEPADS!!HAHAHA!diamond encrusted ones..that'd be funny


I don't have a website up yet q2002!Won't be up for a few months..maybe.All my sales and exposure at the moment is through word-of-mouth and I think thats the raddest thing,because it means people genuinely are into my clothing,not influenced by "cool" or some expensive media campaign...so adverts,websites and that kind of media won't be happening for a little while yet

oCean,
 CNN,CNBC,BBC,E! CHANNEL,TIME MAGS!!you can also try british made/publised dictionaries and look out the meaning of FILIPINA,you"ll be amazed!!and i suggest while you into that try visiting the hotels,condos etc in hong-kong you'd be seeing sign boards that goes like this-NO DOGS,NO FILIPINOS!their located at main entrances and elevetor entrances(or should i say"LIFT")
 
 I could go on and on about how the world look at us but why am i not piss off?bcoz,i compare the filipino to the african-american,american-indians,etc,etc!heck,we as filipinos are still lucky!!

 Thats one reason i surf!surfing doesn't judge-color,race,nationality,how tall or short,fat or thin!!it will only judge you on how you give out RESPECT!!

GIVE RESPECT,TO GAIN RESPECT!!

q2002
    Thats whats so nice with actors character,they can always act as though they've got nothing to do with it!thats their talent,that is what we pay for not their character but their talent.you'll never know what ever they say or do off cam!!
   

knefut, wow, havent been to hk in a long time. didn't see those signs last time. probably too busy being a tourist to notice the signs. i hate racism!   everyone looks pretty much the same once you've skinned them you know...   take it easy  

Knefut- Correct assesment about the skill of a good actor/actress to masquerade their true self behind their assumed character- that's what makes a good actor. I know there are some bigoted people in English gentry still- this carries over from their imperialist history, unfortunately. Yet, most Brits are extremely progressive, and encourage civil rights and well-being for most foreigners (French aside)- just look at the recent anti-Iraq protests there- the biggest anti-war protest in British history. I have never met Mr. Neeson, but I will say this- he and Geoffrey Rush gave mind-blowing performances in 'Les Mis.'

i agree with kuya knefut's sentiments. anyways, Manong Mark's board arrived in a OK condition and i was super stoked. thankz!!! our place is open for your boards' safekeeping

that's why i haven't seen your posts here for a while... too stoked to talk! hehe just kidding. good for you ei sponj, you're from LU right? do you live close to the breaks there? ... just wondering...

..your ryt ocean! yeah, i live very near the beach. practically just a few meters or so. i havent had the chance to ride in my backyard. kuya knefut is helping me out in my surfing and manong mark just gave me a thruster for me to use. thank yous' manongs and manangs! ..see my stars?! (i got that from hearing out tipz and comments from the masters.. i.e. millie, al, todd, mark etc..)..i hope to see you guys in the line-up. .. i wanna cry out ryt now.. coz am super stoked...
diyos ti ag-ngina...

i'm almost sure of going there two weeks from now. march 15-17 hopefully. how are the waves there right now? would it be ok if i ask you for a live wave forecast right before i leave manila? i don't know what they mean when they say "it gets pretty flat out there" so if your free and everything goes well maybe we'll have that in depth discussion of your S stroke over there. hehe . thanks sponj.  

.... meaning no waves! swimming pool! ... coz waves go on vacation especially on weekends! and also because it's off season!

ei ppol!  

..hehehehe swimming pool?! nyc one te hydro!
hi peeps!!

... bummer

lyten up dude.. ..no harm intended. ..later..

i meant the waves sponj... no more waves... "swimming pool".  

swimming pool= surfing pool! nahh.. ..ru somwer Up No' this weekend? ..later dude..

i can't go this weekend. next weekend pa. how do you guys know that there's gonna be good swells this weekend? i tried checking out the weather links but i couldn't figure it out. i feel so dumb! hehe  

ei,pipol
thiers gonna be waves on saturday and sunday at la union!!!im gonna leave at abt 7am and probably reach home break at aroud 9am,see you guys at the line up!!

Finally, waves again in la union this wkend!

Hi OCEAN! We use to chek the network26.com for the wave forecast. But now, we rely mostly on text messages from friends who are from san juan 4 the live/ actual forecast. At least this way, we save laods of cash in case the waves change their mind and not show up.

Hopefully, there's gonna be waves to at least until the end of the month!

ei, ill be in LU on Sunday mawnin.cant be absent on my Satrday class.  ..waaaaaaa!!!

dude,
where can i see your boards? how much do they costs?

We've done it! So I was in the Philippines for a study abroad program and I spent the whole year trying to figure this board problem out.FIVEFORTY SURF co. is what we call it. I got together few of my friends and we invested a whole lot of money and began shaping in the philippines. All it took was a little research, some consulting from Mystics surfboards in Huntngton Beach, Mat Yerxa in Hawaii, Ehiku, and Hawaiian Longboard Mafia based in Long Beach, California and we got this off the ground. We make two types right now since we are just getting started, using clark blanks for the first which are imported and thus cost a pretty penny but for all you who are looking for custom made boards in the Philippine for less expensive we have begun the process of making our own materials. Its still not perfected but were gettin there. Im in the Philippines right now as a matter of fact for a two week trip to get a bunch of stuff straitened and to get some people trained. Anyone want some pasalubong? I just finished a 10' shaped from a clark blank today and Im gonna sell it to the first person who is willing to buy a brand spanking new board in the Philippines. Just email me at ltortuya@ucla.edu. Were also looking to start producing for some local shops. Presently we make board bags and board shorts too. Hit me up, lets do business.
Lui